With a reputation as “the Wimbledon of energy conferences”, EDF Energy’s Talk Power conference is an important diary event for energy buyers and managers in businesses using large amounts of energy.
We’re pleased to announce that Energy Live News readers that fit that profile can now reserve a seat to hear from some of the top seeds in the UK energy market. In fact if last year’s conference was anything to go by (watch some of the highlights here), this isn’t something a professional energy buyer should miss.
Chaired by the BBC’s Naga Munchetty, Talk Power 2012 promises to be both informative and stimulating. With the theme Powering On: investing for growth and a sustainable future, the conference will focus on the positive actions Government, business and the energy sector can and are taking to improve our collective prospects in troubled times. In particular, how investment in infrastructure and improving efficiency are key to driving sustainable growth and improving UK competitiveness, against the backdrop of London hosting the Olympic Games.
Here’s the order of play for the day.
The conference kicks off with keynote speeches covering the Government’s plans for growth and the business benefits of the London 2012 Games with a senior representative from the Government and Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority.
Simon Virley, Director General for Energy Markets & Infrastructure group, DECC will provide an update on Government policy including Electricity Market Reform.
David Clarke, Managing Director, The Energy Technology Institute will discuss how Research and Development into new energy technologies can drive new energy opportunities for business, and the role of policy in creating the conditions for productive energy research and development.
Elizabeth Hinde, Head of Energy, British Retail Consortium will provide an independent view on the competitive challenges facing UK businesses and an opinion on the current policy options on the table.
Paul Spence, Director of Strategy & Corporate Affairs, EDF Energy, who will provide a generator and investor view about current arrangements and Electricity Market Reform.
Vincent de Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy will also be on hand to provide his thoughts and views on the difficulties facing UK businesses and how to ensure a brighter future.
Dr Cathy McClay, Director of Co-operation, Optimisation and Trading at EDF Energy will open the afternoon session with an update on the fundamental drivers behind current UK and continental power prices, and the outlook for the remainder of 2012. She is followed by a panel debate around the business case for saving energy with insights from both a leading retailer and manufacturer as well as expert commentary from independent specialist Richard Ponstance, Advisory Partner, Power & Utilities, Ernst & Young.
And in this Olympic year, Liz Johnson, 100m breast stroke Paralympic gold medallist will close the conference with her uplifting story of competing on a global stage with the best in the world, overcoming challenges and the power of positive thinking.
